Hey guys,

I think one of the things about this thread demonstrates a little of the missconceptions of the subject. You don't really need to look at it as "Happy songs." That is really not what the point is. It is fine to write "Feel good" songs, humerous songs, ponient songs, life issue, or even somber songs, as long you find a way to keep it from being a sad, depressing song.

Have any of you ever had a reasonably bad day, paying bills, having relationship problems, things not working out, but then you find $20 in a pair of pants you washed? Or anything that might bring a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bad situation?

That is what we are talking about here. Just not being so down.

If you comment on all the troubles in life, the wars, depression, homelessness, anger, political troubles, whatever, you are only restating the obvious. You are adding to the pile. and although some people think that is helping or giving some insightful wisdom on the subject, it really isn't. It is just telling people the same thing they already know. That is why they tune out.

There was a recent survey done by Ralph Murphy of ASCAP on last year's number one songs. There were 47 of them. (I believe, I might be a couple of numbers off but the percentages are very close) All but 2 were up, or mid tempo, positive and portray the singer in a positive light. If you expand that survey to the top ten, the top twenty, top 100 songs of the year, you are probably going to find similar results. About 98% are going to be in those same catagories, up or mid tempo, positive and portray the singer in a positve light.

So the key to all of this is to try and find something that doesn't bring people down. Even though we might feel down. Acentuate the positive.

MAB